Ted Ross - Actor Profile

Ted Ross

Acting
Updated: May 11, 2026
17Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jun 30, 1934
Birth Place: Zanesville, Ohio, USA

About Ted Ross

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Ted Ross (June 30, 1934 – September 3, 2002) was an American actor who was probably best known for his role as the Lion in The Wiz, an all-African American reinterpretation of The Wizard of Oz. He won a Tony Award for the original 1975 Broadway production, and went on to recreate the role in the 1978 film version which also starred Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Ross went on to appear in the films Arthur and Police Academy, and on the television sitcoms The Jeffersons, Benson, The Cosby Show, and its spin-off A Different World. His final role was in the 1991 film The Fisher King. Ross was born Theodore Ross Roberts in Zanesville, Ohio, but he moved with his family to Dayton at age seven. He died from complications of a stroke he suffered in 1998. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered. Description above from the Wikipedia article Ted Ross, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Ted Ross Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Ted Ross reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 17 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Ted Ross's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 59% of Ted Ross's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Death Penalty, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Ted Ross Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Ted Ross's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Ted Ross has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1991 The Fisher King Limo Bum Hit Similar →
1988 Stealing Home Bud Scott Average Similar →
1988 Arthur 2: On the Rocks Bitterman Average Similar →
1984 Police Academy Captain Reed Hit Similar →
1982 Amityville II: The Possession Mr. Booth Average Similar →
1982 Fighting Back Commissioner Average Similar →
1982 Parole Barney Hit Similar →
1981 Ragtime Black Lawyer Hit Similar →
1981 Purlie Ensemble Hit Similar →
1981 Arthur Bitterman Hit Similar →
1980 F.D.R.: The Last Year Prettyman Hit Similar →
1980 Death Penalty Woody Super Hit Similar →
1978 The Wiz Lion Average Similar →
1978 Wiz on Down the Road Lion Super Hit Similar →
1977 The Fourth King Uno (voice) Hit Similar →
1977 Minstrel Man Charlie Bates Flop Similar →
1976 The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings Sallie Average Similar →

Ted Ross - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Ted Ross?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ted Ross is "Death Penalty" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has Ted Ross acted in?

Ted Ross has been featured in at least 17 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Ted Ross?

Other notable films include "Wiz on Down the Road", "The Fisher King", and "The Fourth King".

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